10 Tips for Freshers to Ace a Tech Interview
If you’re a fresher and you’re preparing for a tech interview, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. In today’s world, the competition is tough and applicants need to put their best foot forward and be well-prepared for the interviews As a fresher going for tech interviews can be tough, but with the right preparation, you can ace them.
Here are 10 tips for freshers to help you prepare for your tech interview and land your dream job.
Know Your Basics
Before you dive into anything else, make sure you have a good understanding of the basics of your own skills. Like for example you must know about programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and other foundational concepts that might be the requirement of the job. You should be comfortable with these concepts and be able to apply them if there is a test for the same.
Read the Job Description and about the Company
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the requirements. Tailor your resume and interview answers to highlight your skills and experience that align with the job.
Be Prepared for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked technical questions during the interview. Go online and try and find some common technical interview questions and be prepared to explain your thought process as you work through them.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Behavioral questions are just as important as technical questions. Employers want to know if you’re a good fit for the company culture and if you have the soft skills needed to succeed. Prepare for questions about your work ethic, problem-solving skills, and teamwork abilities.
Answer questions clearly and directly
Never deviate from the question asked, it is always advisable to put forward one’s ideas clearly and in minimal understandable words. One can always support the answer by giving examples. One should never use complicated words and sentences during an interview, communication should be simple and to the point.
Research the Company
Do your research on the company you’re interviewing for. Look at their website, social media, and recent news articles to understand their mission, culture, and recent accomplishments. This will help you tailor your interview answers to the company’s values and goals.
47% of Candidates Fail Job Interviews Because They did not Receive Enough Information About the Company (Source: Legal jobs)
Be a good listener during an interview
Always wait for the interviewer to complete speaking or asking the question. To exhibit this, one needs a lot of patience, which can be developed via practice. Never rush an interview and interrupt the interviewer; there will be adequate time for the candidate to speak. Also, it’s a fact that someone who listens well can come up with an appropriate answer to the questions posed. So, one of the best interview advice for freshmen is to listen intently and respond appropriately.
Be Well Groomed
Take some time out the day before the interview to groom your hair and nails. Iron your clothes and wear appropriate footwear if the interview is being conducted in person. Make sure you dress appropriately for the interview. It’s always better to be overdressed than underdressed. You will have to be in the proper attire even if your interview is online. Adherence to a dress code can indicate enthusiasm and discipline to do well professionally.
A Candidate Only Gets 7 Seconds to Make a Good First Impression (Source: Forbes)
Be on Time
Make sure you arrive at least 10-15 minutes early for the interview. Plan your route ahead of time and take into account traffic and other potential delays. Being on time shows that you’re reliable and professional. If it’s an online interview join a few minutes before the scheduled time and make sure your microphone and camera are working well. Sit in a well-lighted place where there is no background noise.
Follow Up
After the interview, send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a great opportunity to express your gratitude for the interview and reiterate your interest in the position. By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for your tech interview and have a better chance of landing your dream job. Remember, practice and preparation are key. Always remember that it is never a waste of time to attend an interview, even if you don’t get the job. As a fresher, one must take it as an opportunity to practice interview skills and be prepared for future interviews. Good luck!
